Cricket

Kingston United Synagogue congregants came to the rescue after the shul faced a Yom Kippur ministerial crisis.

The shul needed to fill the gap between the departure of Rabbi David Mason for the Muswell Hill pulpit at the end of August and the arrival of his successor, Rabbi Michael Rosenfield, in time for Succot.

With this in mind, the Kingston board had arranged a stand-in from Israel for Rosh Hashanah and Yom
Kippur.

Two Jewish players have helped Stanmore reach the national club Twenty20 finals.

Captained by Marc Reingold, the ECB Middlesex County Premier League club beat favourites Bromley in the semi-finals before overcoming Ashford in a thrilling regional final at the St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury. They also took the scalps of Middlesex League rivals Finchley and Ealing in the preliminary stages with Reingold receiving the South East Counties Cup and a cheque for £6,500.

Three first-class players will spearhead Team Great Britain's open cricket challenge at next summer's Maccabiah Games in Israel.

Manager Nigel Rothband has named a 13-man squad. Under Rothband, GB claimed bronze in the 2005 Games and he is confident that they can push holders South Africa and Australia all the way. The third place finish was GB's first cricket medal for 16 years.

The first semi-final of the Barratts Maccabi Sunday League playoffs took place on Sunday, with Casual Nomads taking on MAL at Old Camdenians.

On a pitch that looked relatively lively, MAL skipper Mark Landau opted to bat to take advantage of good overhead conditions and a strong batting line up. The decision looked to have backfired early on as MAL slipped to 76-6 inside the first 20 overs, with only Yoav Lebens showing any resistance, his 35 including some crisp hitting.

A captain's knock of 81 from Jerome Colmans proved decisive as London Maccabi Vale 1st maintained their Middlesex Sunday League Division One title hopes with a hard fought 16-run victory over Belmont & Edgware.

MAL secured the Barratts Maccabi Sunday League title with a three-wicket victory over Chigwell.

The evergreen Charlie Sherrard removed both Chigwell openers in his first spell. The first was caught at first slip by Yoav Lebens before he bowled Murray for 17. Brad Ormsby began to look dangerous with a few well-struck boundaries. However, with the field set back, he fell into the trap and was caught by Grant Traub for 25 off Yoni Schurder's bowling.